Biography

Jim Masters - trombone

Jim Masters brings a depth of experience as a trombonist, singer, performer and educator. As an Alumnus of Youngstown State University he received outstanding soloist awards at the Wichita and Elmhurst Jazz festivals. He actively pursued a career in Ohio before moving to New York City whew he worked until 1990 before returnng to Ohio.

Jim toured the U-S. and Japan with the Buddy Rich Band and the Widespread Jazz Orchestra. He has performed with the bands of Tito Puente, Mel Lewis, Clem DeRosa, Roy Gerson, Lew Anderson, John Fedchock / Maria Schneider, and currently performs as a member of the Columbus Jazz Orchestra. In Columbus he was a member of the Bobby Floyd Project and co-founder of Yumbambe as well as many appearances with his own ensembles. He feels fortunate to have made music with many of the greats of Jazz.

He has been a featured vocalist and soloist at NYC's Blue note with Jorge Anders Latin/Jazz Band. You may see him appearing in Bob Kindred and Anne Phillips' "BENDING TOWARDS THE LIGHT" A JAZZ NATIVITY. He has sung and played on numerous commercials and performed in many commercial venues, stages, orchestra pits and clubs.

As a composer and songwriter Jinn has numerous compositions recorded. A family man, Jim has written and is writing many songs for and about children. His children's choir piece "We The Children" was performed by the Columbus Girl's Choir, and the Colonial Hills choir in Worthington, 0hio. Recently he composed music for Worthington's bicentennial play "The Scioto Company" and also is composer and lyricist for "Back Where I Belong", the official song of Licking County, Ohio.

Masters created The American Jazz Experience which is an Artist In Schools, one hour informance which he and his group have presented to over 153,000 students in Central Ohio. He and the ensemble are deeply committed to sharing this American classic music with today's children. He shares this viewpoint with his partner and co-sponsor The Jazz Arts Group of Columbus.

He currently serves on the faculty of The Ohio State University as Jazz trombone instructor and lecturer. Jim appears on the faculty of numerous music camps and arts festivals throughout the country including the 2003 Stanford Jazz Workshop.

"JIM MASTERS, AN ORIGINAL VOICE"
Bill Spilka International
Trombone Association Journal

"A highlight was a bright original by Masters, called "You Just Made My Day", to which the composer applied his earthly baritone voice as well as his horn"
Stuart Troup    New York Newsday

"Jim Masters showed a rugged, belting attack both as a trombonist and a singer."
John S. Wilson    New York Times

"Trombonist Jim Masters riffs .....a joy indeed"
Chip Deffaa    New York Post